Preparing for More Snow: Updates & Resources

VDOT has announced that its crews are ready for snowfall and wintry precipitation forecast across northern Virginia, the evening of Thursday, Jan. 6 into Friday morning. As always, motorists are asked to track the latest forecasts, plan ahead to avoid nonessential travel during winter weather, and to be aware of the potential for black ice and nightly refreeze as temperatures remain low. (Visit Ready.gov for more winter storm preparation tips and see the County’s list for building an emergency kit.)

• The Winter Weather Advisory from the National Weather Service shows a range of snow accumulations forecast across VDOT’s Northern Virginia District from late Thursday through Friday morning. Monitor forecasts closely for updates.
• Unlike the storm earlier this week, we will have dry conditions prior to the storm, enabling VDOT to pretreat interstates, primaries, and high-volume secondary roads, along with bridges, ramps and overpasses with brine.
• The snowfall rates for may be 1 inch per hour, causing greatly-reduced visibility. Please plan to stay off the roads during this time if you can.
• With more than 2,800 pieces of equipment, crews will work around the clock on state-maintained roads, focusing on clearing roads that carry the most traffic first. These include interstates, primary roads, and routes connecting public safety services. Crews can then focus on neighborhoods and lower-volume roads. Residents can monitor the progress of plows at www.vdotplows.org.
• In areas that are expected to receive higher accumulations of snow, park in driveways or on a single side of the street to allow a wider path for plows.
• With trees already damaged earlier this week, residents are encouraged to be prepared for possible power outages. This can include having nonperishable items on hand, stocking up on batteries and candles, and talking to your healthcare provider about any medical needs that could be impacted. Learn more.
• You can report a power outage or check on restoration status online or by calling 866-366-4357, where you can also report downed lines. Please check the PWC Emergency page for announcments on warming centers, road closures, and operational status of county facilities.

For updates and resources, visit virginiadot.org/novaemergency and virginiadot.org/snow Report road hazards at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or my.vdot.virginia.gov Check conditions before you travel at 511virginia.gov